Emily Early

I began Convergence Journalism 1 as a freshman on a Zoom call. It feels like a lifetime ago. Sitting next to my mom in my dining room, I remember feeling so scared and so small in such a large community of journalists. Now, in my senior year, I get to experience CJ1, again, but in person this time as a cadet teacher. It’s been an incredible full-circle moment. 

Writing and editing for the Pathfinder have been my absolute favorite part of high school, no doubt about it. The community within this classroom holds so many of my favorite people and my favorite memories. But this room has serious power. Working in an environment like this is not only positive, but it’s inspiring. It’s motivating. All of the fears I had as a freshman are certainly still somewhere within me, but I learned how to work alongside them, which turned into me leading a newspaper alongside them. 

I didn’t know who I wanted to be after high school for so long. You know the drill, people ask over and over when you’re a kid, “What do you want to be when you grow up?” That question eventually turns into “What are you going to major in?” in high school, but the weight of it still lingers. I’ve changed answers over time and even avoided the question entirely until some point last year. I remember the moment clicking for me. I was helping a student write their story, and as I helped them, I realized the kind of storytelling we get to experience on a daily basis can’t be found anywhere else. I love telling stories, helping people tell stories, and helping others find their own stories. There’s a magic in watching it click for someone, and this year, it’s grasped me like never before. This place is bursting at the seams with passion, and being lucky enough to be a part of it is one thing, but my stroke of luck has been watching people find that passion themselves. 

So thank you, Pathfinder, for helping me find my ground with this place and these people. I wouldn’t have done high school any other way.

Oh, and these people! There are too many. Elle Rotter, I couldn’t be here without you. You’ve been my rock since those Zoom days, and I don’t think anyone else could have gotten me to apply for a leadership position. Addie Gleason, thank you for being the archetype of what a student leader should look like. Debra Klevens, your astonishing work ethic is the voice in my head, cheering me on. Thank you.

To Mikalah Owens, Lauren Holcomb, Will Gonsior, Yein Ahn, Sakenah Lajkem and Lia Emry, you have no idea how much I adore your writing. Please continue to share your remarkable words with the world. Reading and editing your pieces have been some of the highlights of my time here. 

Cindy Phung, Samir Shaik, Triya Gudipati and Risa Cidoni, I can’t wait to see you all as leaders. Your innovation is unmatched, and you will rock every second of being Editors-in-Chief — even if the site is purple and orange. I’ve had the most fun making memories with you.

Mrs. Katz, oh my goodness. You are such a light in this classroom. Your ingenuity and authentic passion for teaching put a smile on my face every single day. Thank you for taking us on this year. It’s been so much fun. You make this place feel so, so warm. 

And finally, to Serena Liu and Elizabeth Franklin, who I wouldn’t be here without. Thank you for always making me laugh. Serena, you see the world from such a profound perspective, and watching you tackle high school was insane, so the rest of the world better watch out. Elizabeth, you put so much heart and soul into everything you do, and your tenacity has been tremendous to witness. The legacy you both have left on not only me but this entire program is unbelievably great, and I can’t wait to see what amazing things you do. You two are pure talent. Thank you.

I’m going to miss this program wholeheartedly. But this journey isn’t meant to be about where we end up or about when we cross the finish line; instead, we must focus on what made us smile the most along the way. So, thank you for all of the smiles.

Lia Emry

All good things must come to an end. Starting Convergence Journalism 1 in my sophomore year, I had one motive: getting my credits out of the way. I have never been a fan of school, often telling my mom how much ‘I hated school’. Beginning journalism, I realized I had never been interested in learning until this course. 

 I unknowingly came into the program and understated how powerful the journalism program is at West High. Seeing the passionate journalists motivated me to follow in their footsteps. Before Leah Schroeder and Mira Nalbandian’s encouragement, the yearbook was my main priority, but they convinced me to consider the newspaper. After writing my first story, “Adios Spain, Hola St. Louis” I won my first Best of SNO award, which fueled my love for telling people’s stories. Not knowing my passion for storytelling, Convergence Journalism helped me gain friendships, grow my confidence and find my love for journalism. 

I had the opportunity to speak to an alumnus of the journalism program brag about how influential this class was for them. I hadn’t grasped until now how Room 3000 holds so many memories of West High. The clicking on the keyboards, the infectious hard work, and the eager journalists who worked effortlessly to push out a successful yearbook and online newspaper made me realize my love for this class. Not knowing how impactful this class would be for me, I couldn’t thank this class enough.

With that being said, thank you, Parkway West Pathfinder for an amazing three years together. 

Mira Nalbandian and Leah Schroeder, thank you for introducing me to the newspaper and helping me learn the art of writing. Elle Rotter and Addie Gleason, thank you for believing in my ideas and helping me grow as a journalist. Last but not least, Emily Early, Serena Liu and Elizabeth Franklin seeing you guys grow as leaders and flourish as editors, we wouldn’t be here without you. Your kindness and willingness to help have helped immensely throughout the year. 

To my advisors over the last three years… thank you, Mrs. Fluchel for your kindness, for teaching me the basics of journalism and for believing in my writing from the beginning. Thank you, Mrs. Klevens, for always pushing us to our full potential and churning out a nationally recognized journalism program. And Mrs. Katz, thank you for coming into this program and taking off. Your kindness and willingness to learn have made this last school year something I’ll never forget.

Until we meet again, Pathfinder, I wouldn’t want to spend the last three years with any other staff, teachers and friends. Thank you for the best three years! Mizzou Journalism School, I know you’ll be just as awesome.

Elizabeth Franklin

I’ve put off writing this letter for so long because I still can’t believe it’s real. I can’t believe my– I mean our — reign is coming to an end. I’d dreamed of becoming Editor-in-Chief since I was a freshman, but I never thought about what would happen afterward. I still don’t think I’ve actually come to terms with leaving the Pathfinder behind yet, but I’m sure that I’ll get there…any day now. 

I guess journalism began as somewhat of a test for me. I actually initially wanted to join yearbook but was sort of plopped into the world of newspaper in a happy accident. I guess their loss was the Pathfinder’s gain, if I can be a little vain. After all, journalism gave me the platform to use my voice and stick up for what I believe in. Throughout the four years I’ve been a part of the Pathfinder, the late activist and Congressmen John Lewis’ words have stuck with me: “If not us, then who? If not now, then when?”

What I loved most about journalism was that no matter what, I kept learning. I kept learning about photography; I kept learning about AP style; I kept learning about myself. I’ve never stopped learning, even now, as I’m departing, I’m still learning new things. Journalism’s given me that insatiable crave to keep devouring knowledge, to keep gaining new information, and I don’t think that’s ever going to stop. 

But it wasn’t just the journalism program that kept me engaged but the people within the journalism program, too. I never thought I’d be able to live up to the legendary Tyler Kinzy or great “Leah-and-Mira” pair of Leah Schroeder and Mira Nalbandian or the iconic Addie Gleason, Ashlyn Gillepsie, Madi Michajliczenko and Elle Rotter. I still don’t know if I have. But they — and so many others, including Anna Claywell (I love you, and I love our reality TV show talks) and Lauren Holcomb (you are so, so talented, and any conversation I have with you will either end up with me laughing or having gained important insight on a topic) — have inspired me to become so fully ingrained within the Pathfinder, and I truly appreciate everything you all have done for me.

I want to take some time to thank Debra Klevens for your support in building my strength and confidence as a writer, journalist, but most importantly, as a person. You have always pushed me to strive for greatness and go after what I want, and I will appreciate that for the rest of my life.

To Lindsey Katz, thank you for taking a chance on the Pathfinder and on Parkway West’s journalism program as a whole. Your positivity and optimism truly brighten the classroom like a warm, beaming sun, and I can’t think of a better outcome for our senior year than the one we’ve had with you.

I also want to thank Emily Early and Serena Liu, the best co-EICs that I could’ve ever asked for. You two are so smart, amazing, talented, and I love you both so, so much. Serena, I want to be you when I grow up; you are so extraordinary and you brighten any room you walk into. Emily, your spirit and passion inspire me each and every day, and you’ve taught me so much over the past couple of years (including the fact that a 1-7 score in football is not the amazing feat I thought it was). The three of us have been through some very chaotic times — we’ve laughed together, cried together, screamed at each other over text, and through it all, have supported each other relentlessly. We are calamity embodied, and yet, I wouldn’t have wanted to have it any other way.

To Risa Cidoni, Triya Gudipati, and Cindy Phung, I know you all will do an excellent job managing the publication next year. Samir Shaik, we’ve chosen you for the role we did because we trust you immensely, and we know you’ll do well. We know you’ll all do well.

Will Gonsior and Risa especially, y’all better watch out for my baby. Opinions has been my child for the past two and a half years, so I expect that you nurture it so that it can grow and flourish beyond my wildest dreams (I swear, that was not a Taylor Swift reference).

Thank you to anyone I’ve ever interviewed; my stories would not be half as good as if I hadn’t included your voice. Special thanks to Tristen Banks for being the first interview I’d ever done in my journalism career, and the passion you demonstrate for everything you do. You were the blueprint for my entire journalism career, and that means so much to me.

And to the Pathfinder as a whole: thank you. For bearing with me as I edit and return your stories and edit again, for giving me a chance to work with you, for allowing me to be a part of your journalism experience. For everything.

*mic drop*

Raj Jaladi

Seventh hour was often one of the best parts of my school day, a change of gears from rigorous content, tests and homework. It provided me with the opportunity to relax, catch up on school events and global news and most importantly, the freedom to explore topics that I like. Having experimented with news channels and YouTube videos during my elementary and middle school years, I felt drawn to journalism from the get-go and joined as a freshman. However, it quickly became apparent that journalism offered far more than I had anticipated, and I continued all four years.

Engaging in various forms of media production—video, podcast, photography, print—and collaborating with students from different grade levels was a multi-dimensional experience and a lot of fun. Serving on the Editorial Board, helping launch the newsletter and handling data collection and analysis offered valuable insights into the business aspects of newspaper publication. While writing wasn’t my preferred task, I enjoyed presenting facts in an objective, unbiased manner, which remains my favorite aspect of journalism. Although it might appear straightforward, maintaining non-partisan, impartial reporting is a challenging task.

I appreciate all the editors for their patience and for the numerous edits to help improve my writing. Although during the first few publications, I didn’t enjoy receiving the request for “more emotional quotes,” it compelled me to delve deeper into the human and emotional aspects of the topic. I recall my first interviewee and how my multiple follow-ups after the initial interview may have annoyed them. Nevertheless, this exercise prompted me to be more strategic in crafting thoughtful and insightful interview questions from the outset. I attribute my journalism awards to the collaborative teamwork of the editors and their efforts in perfecting each piece.

I am grateful to Mrs Klevens and Mrs Katz not only for their immense support but also for imparting the confidence to take the lead. To all those who graciously allowed me to interview you, from principals, teachers, counselors to students, for sharing your stories and opinions not just with me but with the broader world. This has taught me to learn from others’ perspectives and to look outside my own lens.

To the readers of my articles and to everyone who took the time to share your comments personally and online, you helped me realize the impact of my work. Your views and comments are priceless.

 Thank you!

Sakenah Lajkem

I took journalism my junior year because someone told me it would be fun. The first year, I hated it. I didn’t like any part of it, and I especially didn’t like the yearbook side of it. All of my friends and family told me to quit it the next year, so I would have a good senior year, but hoping for the best, I took it again in hopes it would be better. 

I was a little hesitant walking into the newly-painted black and white room. However, walking out of the class on the very first day, I knew I would love journalism this year. I loved having the freedom to do all sorts of projects and try so many of them. Serena and I tried a podcast, then Esta and I tried videos, then, I began an ongoing series. My experience with journalism overall has been amazing. Of course, there were days when I didn’t feel like writing or interviewing, but there were way more days when I couldn’t wait to come to class and finish a project I was passionate about. 

Thank you, Mrs. Fluchel for being one of my all-time favorite teachers. Thank you, Mrs. Katz for also being one of my all-time favorite teachers and for always being enthusiastic, passionate and having a great attitude. Thank you, Serena, for partnering with me on the podcast and for always helping out. Thanks, Esta, for partnering with me on the Spirit Day videos. Thank you, Emily, for always having kind words and editing my Flashback Fridays. Thank you, Risa, for editing my Flashback Fridays — sometimes even at 2 a.m. on a Wednesday night. Go to bed. Thank you, Elizabeth, for also editing my Flashback Fridays, and thank you to all the teachers that let me interview them, and show their childhood photos. And thank you, again, Mrs. Katz, for always propelling me forward. 

Serena Liu

Hey guys! Welcome back to my YouTube channel. Not really, obviously, but close enough. For the past three years, the Pathfinder has been a place where I could explore and use my voice. From reviewing Taylor Swift albums to crafting opinion pieces on issues close to me, it’s given me an incredible platform to express myself to readers across the globe.

But more than a platform, the Pathfinder is a home. When I first joined my sophomore year, urged on by the one and only Brinda Ambal, I was incredibly timid. But with the incomparable Debra Klevens’ tireless compassion and encouragement, I not only gained journalistic skill but also confidence in my own abilities. And with the support of Brinda, Mira Nalbandian and Leah Schroeder, I ended up applying for an editor position — a leadership role I honestly never imagined myself doing. Thank you all for believing in my potential even when I did not see it myself. 

Being an editor didn’t come without its share of hiccups. But throughout all of this, Addie Gleason, Elle Rotter, Madi Michajliczenko and Ashlyn Gillespie stood by my side. Thank you for always being there when I felt overwhelmed or needed help, and thank you for just being yourselves: incredible, inspiring friends and role models for me to look up to. 

This past year, I’ve gotten to know and work with some of the most amazing people. Sakenah Lajkem, thank you for always being down to jump into anything with me. Yein Ahn, Zoya Hasan and Keira Lang, thank you for bringing fresh ideas to the publication and brightness to my school day. To Audrey Ghosh, thank you for both being an incredible writer and for letting me send you dumb Instagram reels. 

And to my day one, Lauren Holcomb, thank you for hanging out with me even though my mom stopped bribing you. 

To our juniors, while I’m sad to be leaving the Pathfinder, I’m also so excited because I know I’m leaving it in incredibly dedicated, creative and capable hands. To Cindy Phung and Samir Shaik, your ingenuity and leadership inspire me every single day. To Risa Cidoni, you are so incredibly talented, and I am so excited to read everything you publish. To Triya Gudipati, I hope you always remember just how bejeweled you are. To Esta Kamau, thank you for being both a hilarious friend and an awesome video host. And, of course, Will Gonsior, thank you for challenging me to step up each piece I write. I cannot wait to see everything you guys accomplish next year.

And of course, who could forget Emily Early and Elizabeth Franklin, or as I like to call her, Miz Liz. Elizabeth’s strong vision and keen eye for quality are the backbone of our program, and Emily’s kind spirit and relentless dedication are its heart. I am so, so lucky to have gotten to work with you guys this year, and I know you will both go on to do even more amazing things. 

This letter would not be complete without thanking Mrs. Katz. In her classroom, every person not only belongs but is able to explore their unique interests and strengths, filling a key piece in our publication puzzle. She is one of those teachers who put their whole heart into teaching, and it shows.

Finally, to our readers — especially Elle’s grandma and Zoe Gleason — thank you for caring about what we students have to say. One of the reasons I love our program so much is because of its ability to make people think, feel and connect. 

The Pathfinder would not be the same without all of you guys. Peace out, and remember to smash that like button.

Mikalah Owens

Late into my sophomore year, after rambling to Mr. Schumer for hours on end about old punk bands, he encouraged me to write music articles for Pathfinder the following year. I had always loved writing, and I would take any chance to talk about music that I could, but it never occurred to me to combine those. I didn’t think I was a talented enough writer or that people would actually be interested in what I had to say; however, I followed Schumer’s advice blindly, and like many other things I’ve trusted him on, it ended up helping me out graciously. 

When I started Convergence Journalism 1, I had anxiety about what my status would be for Pathfinder. I had seen all of these great articles on Pathfinder done by talented, determined and outgoing journalists. It was intimidating, as I had never been as boisterous as my peers, and I didn’t think anyone would actually care about what I published. Thankfully, all of those fears and negative thoughts were washed away by Mrs. Fluchel as she guided and encouraged my voice while showing me what it took to create meaningful content. 

Now leaving Pathfinder, I am a committed journalist and take pride in my work. I couldn’t have gotten where I am today on my own. With that being said, there are some people I need to thank. 

To Kevin Wallace, you have been my day one for years. I will always cherish how much you have supported my fascination with emo Pete Wentz and how much you crafted, encouraged and applauded my writing. I’ve sent you every single article I’ve written because I wouldn’t be the writer I am today without you. Thank you for the laughs, cries, ceiling tiles. Everything. 

To Kaleb Schumer, I fully tear up when I have to think about this being the end. You’ve shaped me into the person I am today by telling me what I needed to hear, even if I didn’t want to hear it. Through the many laughs, tears and Songs of the Day, the memories are endless. From the bottom of my heart, thank you. Above all else, I need you, Holland and Barnes, to perform  “No Sleep Till Brooklyn” by the Beastie Boys at my wedding.  

To Erin Fluchel, you are a gem. Thank you, for believing in me and helping me realize what I deserve. You have always been incredibly supportive and honest with me, which helped push me to become the journalist and photographer I am today. You will always be my favorite Taylor Swift fan. 

To Mel Trotier, Rush is still an overrated band. No amount of debates will change my mind and that’s okay. Thank you for letting me play Pearl Jam on your guitars whenever I had a bad day and always letting me interview you.  

To Lindsey Katz, Emily Early, Elizabeth Franklin and Cindy Phung, my column would not exist without you guys. I feel so honored to have been able to be part of such a strong, diverse and healthy program. 

Finally, to Tommy Eschbach, Maddie Gregorio, Will Brown and Austin Schnieder, you guys are my rocks. Nothing would make sense without you guys. Your honesty, love and support are what have been the light in the darkness. All of my love, always.

Samari Sanders

Ever since I was a little girl, I had this vision that I would be a part of the newspaper staff, but I wasn’t fully sure if it would happen. I mean, I was a kid, I didn’t know the requirements or where to even begin; I just knew I had a talent for writing good stories and not just for English classes.

Freshman year, I made it, but… I hated it. At that time, COVID-19 was happening, and we were virtual. I didn’t get the experience I expected or at least read when I was skimming the description for classes. Throughout the entire course, I didn’t want to continue; I didn’t even get the credit — lol. The following year, I didn’t know if I wanted to give journalism another chance; a part of me didn’t want to risk failing another class while the other part didn’t want to give up on Ms. Klevens because she was always patient and kind to me. 

*Spoiler alert* I gave it another try. 

From that day forward, I gained a stronger respect for journalism. It taught me to plan my goals, meet deadlines, get involved and think outside the box, but most importantly, it brought me awards, and anyone who truly knows me as a person knows I love to have proof of my accomplishments. 

I remember talking to Ms. Klevens about how I was passionate about getting African-American voices involved in our school and community. My goal wasn’t just to write stories and upload them, but to make minority groups feel like they belong and have a place to express themselves on various topics. Even though I won’t be pursuing journalism as a career, I’m glad I was allowed to be a part of such an amazing program and tell the stories of the West High students and staff. Most of all, I’ll miss laughing in the halls with my friends as I listen to them stutter and think about their responses to my questions — too bad you can’t rehearse first, lol. 

Anyway, as a wrap-up, I wish nothing but the best for my friends, incoming editors, yearbook staff, and anyone reading this. Thank you to Emily, Serena, Cindy, Elizabeth and Ms. Katz for consistently working with me to accomplish what I needed, especially on those time crunches. On top of that, thank you for acknowledging me as ‘Writer of the Week.’ Oh, and thank you for allowing me to not only be the writer but share my voice too. One, for Katie’s inspirational story on my uncle and I, and others being on my cross country and track journey. I hope this program continues to grow and voices continue to be heard. Sending my love and prayers.